Cruising Lake Conroe with Hal Goldie and His Cobalt R6

After a global career in the oil industry that took him across Europe and the Middle East, Hal Goldie and his wife, Anne, ultimately chose Texas as the place to settle down. Living near Lake Conroe, their family naturally gravitated toward boating, and that journey soon led them to Cobalt Boats.

Today, Hal and Anne are enjoying life on the water aboard their latest boat, a new 2025 Cobalt R6, which marks the seventh Cobalt the family has owned over the years.

A Lifetime of Boating Around the World

Hal spent nearly fifty years working for a large multinational oil company. He joined the organization in 1969 as an engineering apprentice in Livingston, Scotland, before moving into offshore operations. His career included assignments in London, Scandinavia, the Middle East, and eventually the United States.

Hal’s passion for boating began while living in Norway.
“We wanted to explore the fjords, so we bought our first boat,” he recalled. “We spent summers fishing and cruising. We always had a freezer full of cod, and that’s when we realized we were boaters for life.”

While later living in the Middle East, Hal and Anne were introduced to watersports for the first time. The warm climate and calm waters made activities like waterskiing, tubing, and diving part of everyday life, deepening their love for boating.

After a brief return to Scotland, the family relocated to Texas, where they were finally able to put down roots and fully embrace lake life.

Discovering Cobalt Boats in Texas

Once settled near Lake Conroe, Hal and Anne owned several boats from other manufacturers. Over time, they began noticing Cobalt Boats on the lake and were consistently impressed.

“We could tell right away that Cobalt boats were built differently,” Hal said. “The quality, the styling, and the way they handled made them stand out. They looked solid and well-engineered.”

In 2002, after purchasing a home on Lake Conroe, the couple bought their first Cobalt. Although it was a used model, it exceeded expectations and solidified their loyalty to the brand.

Not long after, they ordered their first brand-new Cobalt, a 242 customized with their ideal features. As their tenth boat overall, it earned a fitting name.

“We loved it so much we called it Perfect 10,” Hal said.

Building a Fleet with a Trusted Dealer

A key part of Hal and Anne’s long relationship with Cobalt has been their dealer, Rinker’s Boat World, an authorized Cobalt Boats dealer on Lake Conroe.

Hal credits Melanie Clement and her team for more than two decades of exceptional service.

“They have always taken care of us,” he said. “From boat shows to service and support, Melanie has made sure we always felt valued and looked after.”

Over the years, the Goldies added several more Cobalts to their lineup. When updated design details and improved functionality became available, they chose to upgrade once again.

One More Boat Becomes the R6

For a time, the 2018 R5 felt like the perfect boat. Still, the idea of one more upgrade lingered.

That moment came during an open house event hosted by Rinker’s Boat World. While enjoying the gathering, Hal noticed a Cobalt R6 on display.

“The moment I saw it, I was intrigued,” he said. “The helm screens and the electronics really stood out. It reignited that excitement.”

After a test drive, the decision was easy. The Goldies ordered their new Cobalt R6.

Why Hal Loves the 2025 Cobalt R6

The Goldies’ 2025 Cobalt R6 came straight from dealer inventory, and its standard configuration proved to be a perfect fit.

“The interior feels larger than our R5, even though it’s the same hull size,” Hal explained. “The upholstery is modern, and the dual helm screens make operating the boat incredibly intuitive.”

Features like the electric helm seat, automatic trim, and cruise control have made cruising Lake Conroe even more enjoyable, especially at relaxed cruising speeds.

“These are features we hadn’t experienced before, and they make a big difference,” Hal said.

A Brand and Dealer They Trust

Reflecting on decades of boating and experience with multiple brands, Hal remains confident in his choice.

“We’ve had zero issues with our Cobalt boats,” he said. “Any problems we ever encountered were outside factors. The build quality, reliability, and finish have always been outstanding.”

He also emphasized the importance of a strong dealer relationship, crediting Melanie Clement and the team at Rinker’s Boat World for their continued support.

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